Bradley inspired by Obama

25 June 2010 07:40

United States coach Bob Bradley has revealed that his side has received an inspirational team talk ahead of their last-16 clash against Ghana.

Robbie Findley is expected to return to the USA starting XI after missing the 1-0 win over Algeria through suspension.

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac will again be without defender Isaac Vorsah, who missed the 1-0 defeat to Germany with a hamstring injury. Jonathan Mensah is expected to deputise.

Bradley believes his team can go all the way to the World Cup final after hearing a rousing speech from President Barack Obama.

President Obama called the US team on Thursday night during dinner to wish them well in Saturday's last 16 clash with Ghana at the Royal Bafokeng stadium.

Bradley, whose side finished top of Group C above England, said: "We were honoured before a big match to receive a call from President Obama and if we continue to build on the successes so far we can go to the end. That's what it is all about, but that has to be balanced with a concentration on each game.

"We try hard not to get ahead of ourselves but at the same time everybody has this idea that if everybody gives their best effort, if everybody puts everything they have into it and if things go our way then we can travel far."

As well as passing on his best wishes President Obama demonstrated he had been following the team's progress by asking how goalkeeper Tim Howard's ribs were recovering from the collision with Emile Heskey in their first match, a 1-1 draw against England. He also inquired about a cut to the face of Fulham striker Clint Dempsey.

Both will be fit to face Ghana, who will be flying a lone flag for Africa in the last 16 after finishing runners-up to Germany in Group D. Bradley has no intentions of taking them lightly.

He said: "This Ghana team is well put together. Their coach has done a good job. The team is organised, has talented individuals and great athletic ability."